Kaldous and Bob Hall are obvious contenders however a chance is taken on the old-timer BUCKBY LANE. The selection has an official rating of 131, which leaves him just 6lbs shy of likely favourite Bob Hall. He was decent when trained by Paul Webber and he is unexposed for his age (probably because of numerous injury problems). He fell on his last start in April but that was a good race and whilst he has something to prove today in the way of stamina for this trip, the 13-year-old is taken to spring a surprise. Kaldous has his first start for a new yard today and the gelding has a solid chance, however his penalty makes life tough. Formerly in the care of Paul Nicholls, he was a ready winner at Worcester in June and although he now has a bit to prove, a big run should be forthcoming. The main danger should be Bob Hall. Although only eight, the son of Sadler's Wells is an interesting newcomer to hunter chasing and although he was last seen pulling up in the Grand National it would be no surprise to see him run well back over a more suitable trip and with the stable in good form. The rest look to be up against it, so in a potential three-horse race it is Buckby Lane who is taken to succeed.
Kaldouas (FR) 7-2 (11-12) Close up, joined leaders 4 out, soon ridden, weakened quickly and pulled up 2 out in race won by Hermano Cordobes (10-1) at N Abbot 3m 2f hcp chs 0-135 (3) gd in Jul, 6 ran.
Howard Howard 10-1 (12-0) Chsd ldrs to 12, 5th of 18, 34l behind Thisthatandtother (12-0) at Barbury Castle 3m ptp sft in Jan.
Thompsons Wood (IRE) 6-1 (12-0) Prom til wknd 15; went rem 2nd last, 2nd of 4, 30l behind Persian Hero (12-0) at Ashorne 3m ptp sft in May.
Would Wouldnt (IRE) 6-1 (12-7) Ref to race refused in race won by Proud Andees (12-0) at Tabley 3m ptp gd in May, 8 ran.
Bob Hall (IRE) 100-1 (10-11) Towards rear, struggling halfway, tailed off when pulled up at the 19th in race won by Comply Or Die (10-9) at Aintree 4m 4f Grand National (1) gd in Apr, 40 ran.
Buckby Lane 4-1 (12-5) Led to 2 & 12 til hdd aft 14; wkng when, 3rd of 9, 12l behind Always Right (12-5) at Sheriff Hutton 3m ptp sft in Jan.
Gentle George 2-1jt-fav (12-0) Led 5-15; led 2 out; stayed on wl, won at Barbury Castle 3m ptp gd in Jan beating Flax Hill (11-7) by 8l, 20 ran.
Little Rocker (IRE) 9-1 (12-7) Hdwy 11; outpcd 3 out, 3rd of 8, 17l behind Proud Andees (12-0) at Tabley 3m ptp gd in May.
Papillon de Iena (FR) 6-1 (11-7) Led 3-7; blun 12; nd aft, 5th of 8, 29l behind Petit Lord (11-7) at Ampton 3m ptp gd in Jan.
